The ninth cohort of LBJ Washington Center graduate students from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin embarked on a transformative journey, blending academic rigor with hands-on policy apprenticeships in Washington, DC. As 2024 graduates, they navigated their studies during a significant election year, enhancing their understanding of the dynamic political landscape.
Hailing from diverse backgrounds, these scholars immersed themselves in a range of policy interests, from health economics to international development, driven by a shared commitment to making a lasting positive impact on their communities.
The DC Concentration is a distinctive aspect of the LBJ School's Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS) and Master of Public Affairs (MPAff) programs. The degree program integrates a solid academic foundation in Austin with opportunities to gain practical skills in the heart of federal policy-making in Washington, DC.
These new public policy graduates reflected on their LBJ Washington Center journeys with gratitude for a supportive community, impactful policy work, and a wealth of experiences that will undoubtedly shape their futures in public service.
Here's what these change-makers had to say:
Christian Aguirre, MPAff-DC
Emily Barton, MGPS-DC
Adolfo Cervantes, MPAff-DC
Alex Claycomb, MGPS-DC
Alyssa Higgins, MPAff-DC
Lauren Juarez, MPAff-DC
Lacey Lewis, MGPS-DC
Joseph Matawaran, MPAff-DC
Jianyu Mei, MPAff-DC
Liza Montgomery, MPAff-DC
Muhammad Qasim, MPAff-DC
Carlos Repetto-Ayala, MGPS-DC
Jillian Rowe, MPAff-DC
Christian Aguirre, MPAff-DC
Policy interests: Immigration, higher education
Policy Apprenticeship: U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) and Partnership for Public Service
"My LBJ experience has been more than I ever expected! I had the incredible opportunity to gain work experience on Capitol Hill as a U.S. House of Representatives legislative fellow and at the Partnership for Public Service as a Center for Presidential Transition intern. As a DACA recipient, this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work full-time in the U.S. House of Representatives. Working directly for a Congresswoman who represents my local community in Texas and advocates for immigrants was very rewarding. My work on the Hill involved timely policy recommendations while at the Center for Presidential Transition, I contributed to research projects aimed at informing presidential candidates and providing resources for smoother transitions. The value of the DC Concentration has been immense. It immerses you in the heart of the nation’s capital, giving you the rare opportunity to live, work, and learn all in one place. The program helped me expand my network, connecting me with professionals across government, NGOs, and the public sector. Being in DC also gave me unique access to career speakers, events, and real-world experiences I could never have had in Austin, like attending Kamala Harris’ intimate Roe v. Wade event, sitting front row at the Supreme Court with Justice Ketanji Brown, and watching the Fourth of July fireworks from the U.S. Capitol steps. Being a part of the LBJ DC Concentration has solidified my passion for public service. The exposure to dedicated public servants and the challenges they tackle has reinforced my commitment to working in government, particularly on immigration policy. I’ve realized being in DC how crucial it is to have passionate, driven individuals at all levels of government trying to make government work better for all Americans. I’m excited to take this experience and my new network forward into a career that seeks to make real, lasting change."
Emily Barton, MGPS-DC
Policy interests: Diplomacy, international development, peacemaking
Policy Apprenticeship: Beacon Global Strategies, LLC
"Participating in the LBJ DC Concentration has provided me with unparalleled opportunities. As someone building a career in national security and foreign policy, Washington, DC is, undeniably, the best place to be. Plus, there is no better feeling than seeing the Capitol on your way to work! While working in the city alone opened countless doors, the coursework deepened my understanding of policymaking in practice. The professors each bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom that keeps the lessons grounded in real-world experience. The curriculum is challenging, but it allowed me to identify the domestic policy intersections of my apprenticeship and hone my analytical skills. The program, and the ability to gain meaningful work experience while completing it, have been invaluable in shaping my career aspirations. The best aspect of the concentration, however, has been the people. Over the course of the program, I had the pleasure of meeting policy experts, seasoned practitioners, and a vibrant network of LBJ alumni who have been generous with their advice and encouragement. The concentration also gifted me with a cohort of peers whose support, camaraderie, and presence at every football game watch party have made the journey more rewarding than I imagined it could be. As a graduate, I am excited to continue building on the foundation that the DC Concentration has given me."
Adolfo Cervantes, MPAff-DC
Policy interests: Government efficiency, foreign affairs, diplomacy, poverty reduction, economic growth, national security
Policy Apprenticeship: U.S. Mexico Foundation
The experience of the program in Washington, DC was undoubtedly enriching and had a significant impact on my professional development. This program not only strengthens your academic credentials in areas such as public policy and advocacy but also provides the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in the field of public policies. Despite being a demanding and challenging program, it serves as a platform that fosters resilience and strength on both personal and professional levels. My time in Washington has solidified my interest in promoting and strengthening cooperation between Mexico and the United States. During my apprenticeship, I had the privilege of participating in various public diplomacy programs, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. This experience has reaffirmed the importance of actively contributing to the strengthening of these strategic ties. Fortunately, upon completing the program at the LBJ Washington Center, I will continue working with the US-Mexico Foundation, where I will engage in diplomatic advocacy. My commitment is to consolidate bilateral relations between Mexico and the United States through concrete projects and actions that promote collaboration in key areas, thus reaffirming my passion for diplomacy and international cooperation."
Alex Claycomb, MGPS-DC
Policy interests: Fragile democracies, development strategies, diplomacy, intelligence, Latin American affairs
Policy Apprenticeship: Partnership for Public Service and U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA)
"I decided to come to the LBJ School specifically because of the DC Concentration and the experience has exceeded my expectations. The best part of the DC Concentration is the people you meet and the network you build—professors, alumni, colleagues, and fellow students. Having a small cohort of smart, driven, and curious peers to go through this program with made all the difference. We tackled the demanding schedule together, supported each other through challenges, and now continue to cheer each other on as we launch our policy careers in DC and beyond. Before I started the program, I aspired to work in national security and foreign policy but wasn’t sure how to break into the field. Now, I have the experience and connections to make it happen. Paul Pope’s Writing for National Security class was one of the most valuable courses I took in Austin as we prepared to move to DC and step into the policy world. In that class, we acted as regional desk officers for an intelligence agency, writing mock memos and delivering briefings. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to write memos, deliver briefings, and make vote recommendations for real-world policymakers on Capitol Hill—providing them with the information they need to make critical decisions on foreign affairs, defense, and national security. I’ve learned how to craft written products tailored to busy policymakers who need concise, actionable insights. It’s been rewarding to take what I developed over years of education and practiced in Austin and apply it in real-world policy work. I'm fired up to begin my career as a public servant here in Washington, DC and join the Texas Exes and LBJ alumni network."
Alyssa Higgins, MPAff-DC
Policy interests: Health economics, economic development, poverty alleviation
Policy Apprenticeship: Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Lauren Juarez, MPAff-DC
Policy interests: Climate mitigation/adaptation, economic inequality, systemic racism
Policy Apprenticeship: U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn (D-SC) and Americans for Financial Reform
"Through the DC Concentration, I have gained professional experience in two different contexts - on Capitol Hill and in an advocacy organization. This has been very valuable because it gave me more perspective on what I want to do in the future. My Policy Apprenticeship experiences have solidified my desire to be an advocate and to hold powerful people to account. Overall, the LBJ School exposed me to new skillsets while reminding me of the skillsets I already have and will continue to harness. Moving forward, I aim to combine my communications experience and my policy education to work within advocacy campaigns and/or organizing efforts. I aim to bridge my interest in the details of policy with my desire to spur tangible action and change. Especially in a time of great division and tension, I want to help build an effective, united movement for economic justice for all."
Lacey Lewis, MGPS-DC
Policy interests: Human rights, democracy promotion
Policy Apprenticeship: Office of Management and Budget, Office of Performance and Personnel Management, Federal Workforce Branch and U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX)
"My time at the LBJ School has been highly transformative. Classes such as Public Management and the Federal Budget have helped me to understand the complexities of the federal government and the intricate issues that top policymakers are eagerly trying to solve each day. I have also had the opportunity to meet officials in many different federal agencies and hear about their journeys and experiences. Beyond academics, the DC concentration has been an unparalleled highlight of my graduate school experience because of the friends I have made in class. I am very partial to small class sizes, and the thirteen of us have formed an extraordinary bond. I am so excited to see where these wonderful people end up and what they do to change the world. The LBJ community is an exceptional and enriching space that I am excited to enter as an alumni. When I first entered LBJ, I had my sights set on a career in the Foreign Service, and though I am still planning on pursuing this goal, my policy apprenticeship definitely changed my direction for the time being. This past summer, I interned at the Office of Management and Budget in the Executive Office of the President. I focused on workforce policy and discovered my passion for public management and performance policy. I want to make the federal government a fantastic place to work and as efficient as I know it can be. This opportunity led me to connect with past OMB employees and join a consulting firm as their Chief Operating Officer. I would have never been given this opportunity if it weren't for the LBJ School, and I am so grateful that I picked a graduate school that teaches students to challenge the status quo and change the world!"
Joseph Matawaran, MPAff-DC
Policy interests: Labor economics, economic development, urban policy
Policy Apprenticeship: Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor and Data Quality Campaign
"My experience at the LBJ School has been nothing short of transformative for my professional career, as it gave me first-hand exposure to the policymaking world. As someone interested in state and federal policy, the DC Concentration offered a comprehensive curriculum that allowed me to live and learn in Austin for two semesters and in Washington, DC, for 6 months. In DC, my cohort and I learned about valuable subjects like federal budgeting, public management, and legislative procedure, which seasoned our understanding of DC's policy landscape. While in DC, during the summer, I served the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Public Affairs, sharpening my research and writing skills and supporting the Department's internal and external communications strategy. During the fall, I interned at the Data Quality Campaign, where I advocated for policies and practices that improved the use of data in education and the workforce. These amazing experiences added texture to my policy research and strategic communications skill set while building upon new competencies like stakeholder engagement and project management. As I graduate from policy school and move toward an earnest career in government, I stand equipped and excited to make a positive impact."
Jianyu Mei, MPAff-DC
Policy interests: Public finance, international development, natural resources preservation, international cultural exchange, economic growth
Policy Apprenticeship: Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington and American Enterprise Institute
"As a new Texas resident, my time at the LBJ School has been a transformative journey, marked by invaluable learning, growth, and connection. The DC Concentration, in particular, has been instrumental in equipping me with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and a network of lifelong friendships. Coming from a unique background, pursuing this education hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges have only deepened my appreciation for the opportunity to learn and grow in such a supportive and dynamic environment. I don’t know if this will be my last chance to pursue advanced education, but I consider it a significant milestone for both myself and my family. While I am still exploring my career path, the experiences I’ve gained at LBJ have laid a strong foundation for whatever comes next. Whether through policy analysis, public service, or another avenue, I know this education will continue to inspire and guide me for years to come."
Liza Montgomery, MPAff-DC
Policy interests: Social justice, gender and racial equality
Policy Apprenticeship: Public Strategies Washington
"My time at the LBJ School has been nothing short of exceptional. I cannot brag on the dual-city program enough as I learned my policy foundation in Austin, then came to DC and learned so much more than I could have imagined with my feet on the ground in our nation's capital. Learning and experiencing policy work through my apprenticeship has granted me valuable experience I could not have gained had it not been for the DC Concentration. I came to Washington hopeful to go straight into policy consulting, only to discover Capitol Hill is where a true understanding of policymaking and all its caveats would lie. I have spent the past six months at a consulting firm understanding the ins and outs of the private sector's relationship with the federal government, and with my degree under my belt, I hope to land a position on the Hill working in the thick of policy I am passionate about: women's issues, reproductive rights, and gender equality. Since June, our DC cohort has grown closer and closer. Developing a relationship with the small (but mighty) cohort of just 13 students has been so fulfilling as we all navigate the fascinating world of DC. With all 13 of us holding different policy interests, we each bring something different to the table during classes and beyond. I will forever cherish my time at the LBJ School and cannot recommend the DC concentration of the MA track enough. Hook 'em!"
Muhammad Qasim, MPAff-DC
Policy interests: International economic development, macroeconomic policy, governance, institutional capacity
Policy Apprenticeship: The African Think Tank
"My time at the LBJ School has been nothing short of transformative. The exceptional faculty and supportive community provided me with the tools and confidence to pursue my passion for evidence-based policy-making. Through the LIFT Program, I had the opportunity to work with Just Community, a nonprofit addressing systemic challenges, where I gained hands-on experience in crafting solutions that make a tangible impact. Additionally, my collaboration with the City of Austin’s Office of Innovation through the RGK Center’s CONNECT Program allowed me to develop an evaluation framework that aligned public funding opportunities with community needs—an experience that sharpened my skills in stakeholder engagement and analytical problem-solving.
The DC Concentration has been particularly valuable, offering me the unique chance to immerse myself in the world of policy in the nation’s capital. During the final six months of the program, I moved to Washington, DC, where I completed my Policy Apprenticeship at The African Think Tank. This role deepened my understanding of international development and allowed me to engage with influential policymakers while honing my project management, data analysis, and research skills. The Bollinger Fellowship provided crucial support throughout my journey, enabling me to explore the rich diversity of the United States by visiting cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Looking ahead, I am eager to continue contributing to the policy landscape by joining a think tank or research organization in Washington, DC. I aspire to work at the intersection of project management, data analysis, and policy research, leveraging the skills and experiences I gained at LBJ to drive meaningful change."
Carlos Repetto-Ayala, MGPS-DC
Policy interests: Climate adaptation & resilience, carbon pricing, energy security
Policy Apprenticeship: U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Albright Stonebridge Group
"Prior to coming to LBJ my job prospects were scarce and my career path was unclear. I knew generally that I’d like to do work in policy with an environmental or sustainability twist, but beyond that I had no clue what to do. During my time in Austin, I was exposed to new topics I otherwise would have likely not learned about. My coursework at LBJ sparked new interests in the energy and natural resources sectors. In my experience, the main benefit of the DC Concentration was the broadening of possible career paths. While I was in Austin, I thought my Policy Apprenticeship would be exclusively on Capitol Hill or a federal agency; trade associations, lobbying firms, and think tanks were not exactly places of interest at the time. Although I did spend time on the Hill over the summer, my fall apprenticeship was at a business consulting firm. Another key benefit of the DC Concentration is the ability to establish and grow a professional network. When I arrived in DC this summer, I was able to reconnect with friends I met last time I interned in the capital in the Spring of 2022. After graduation, I’m aiming to work on Capitol Hill although I’m open to any opportunity that comes my way."
Jillian Rowe, MPAff-DC
Policy interests: Economic industrial policy, drug/crime policy, juvenile justice policy
Policy Apprenticeship: Potomac Government Relations and The Ripon Society
"The LBJ School of Public Affairs transformed my academic and professional journey. The opportunities presented to me have provided a strong foundation for critical thinking about complex policy issues. I particularly valued the emphasis on evidence-based policymaking -- skills needed to be successful in the policy world, such as crafting comprehensive and compelling position memos. Each LBJ professor was completely dedicated to helping me understand how to address complex policy issues, both critically and creatively. The DC Concentration has been an invaluable part of my LBJ experience and is why I chose to attend LBJ in the first place. The DC Concentration allowed me to spend a year in Austin where I was able to connect with so many student colleagues and provided me the tremendous benefit of moving to DC where I was truly able to grasp how policy is shaped and implemented on a national scale. The hands-on experience through internships and networking opportunities in DC has given me a tremendous opportunity to directly interact with national policymakers. One of the most rewarding aspects of the DC Concentration was the small collaborative environment fostered by my cohort. Working alongside such passionate and diverse individuals has not only opened my sights into several policy areas but also provided me with lifelong friends who possess similar passions as me. My LBJ experience has both opened my perspectives to new policy issues and affirmed my career aspirations. While I entered the program with a general interest in social policy, my coursework and fellowships have changed my focus towards industrial and environmental policies. The opportunity to work on real-world policy projects through the DC Concentration gave me a clearer sense of the career path I aspire to have. I now envision a career where I can leverage policy analysis and stakeholder engagement to create systemic change, whether through a federal agency, a nonprofit, or a think tank."
Learn more about the DC Concentration. The Round 2 Deadline is March 1.